treeN. America Native

Shellbark Hickory

Carya laciniosa

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

Expertly Curated

Real-Time Pricing

Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

840 inches

Width

600 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium to Wet

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Very long-lived (200+ years)

Native To

Central and Eastern United States

Toxicity

Nuts are edible; other parts non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

A large, slow-growing deciduous tree native to floodplain forests of the central and eastern US, prized for its large, sweet, edible nuts and distinctive shaggy bark. It produces the largest nuts of all hickory species, and its long, peeling strips of gray bark provide dramatic winter interest, giving it the common name 'shellbark'.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The Shellbark Hickory is a noble tree with a commanding presence. Its most striking feature is the shaggy bark that peels away in long plates, creating dramatic texture and shadow, especially in the winter landscape. The golden-yellow fall color is also very attractive.

The wood is extremely hard, strong, and shock-resistant, historically used for tool handles, wheel spokes, and for smoking meats. The large, sweet nuts are considered by many to be the best-tasting of all hickories and can be used in baking or eaten fresh.

This tree is a wildlife superstar. The nuts are a crucial food source for squirrels, foxes, raccoons, and black bears. The shaggy bark provides roosting sites for bats, including the endangered Indiana bat. It is also a host plant for the Luna moth and Regal moth.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a large, open site in full sun with rich, moist soil.
Dig a deep hole to accommodate the taproot without bending it.
Handle the root ball with care to minimize root disturbance.
Set the tree at the same depth it grew in the nursery.
Backfill with native soil and water deeply to settle.
Mulch widely but keep it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant this tree where it can live for centuries; its deep taproot makes it a permanent and difficult-to-transplant fixture.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide ample water, especially during establishment and dry spells.
Protect young trees from deer browse with trunk guards.
Be patient; this is a slow-growing but very long-lived tree.
Clean up fallen nuts and husks to prevent them from becoming a nuisance.

Don't

Don't plant in small yards or near buildings or pavement.
Avoid trying to transplant established trees.
Don't plant in dry, sandy, or infertile soils.
Don't compact the soil over the root zone with heavy equipment.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Harvest
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Majestic shade tree for large properties and parksStriking winter specimen with exfoliating barkKey component of a native woodland or floodplain restoration

Companion Plants

Quercus bicolor Platanus occidentalis Asimina triloba Acer saccharinum Lindera benzoin

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Shellbark Hickory questions

What zones can Shellbark Hickory grow in?

Shellbark Hickory is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Shellbark Hickory deer resistant?

Yes — Shellbark Hickory is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Shellbark Hickory bloom?

Shellbark Hickory typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Shellbark Hickory need full sun?

Shellbark Hickory does best in full sun (6+ hours).